If you’re a fan of local brews, we’ve got some exciting news! Greenstar Brewing, located right in the heart of Wrigleyville at Uncommon Ground (3800 North Clark Street), has been awarded a gold medal at the prestigious 2024 Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Competing against thousands of entries from across the country, Greenstar’s “Bateman Bier”, an American Amber Lager, took home the top honor in its category.

The Great American Beer Festival is the nation’s largest professional beer competition, and winning a medal there is like hitting the craft beer jackpot. This year, a panel of 285 expert judges sifted through over 9,000 entries from 1,869 breweries representing all 50 states.

Greenstar’s win is not just a big deal for the brewery, but for the entire Chicago beer scene—making them the only Illinois brewery to take home gold in 2024!

So, what makes “Bateman Bier” a winner? This amber lager is brewed with a blend of Munich malt and two types of caramel malt, giving it rich toffee and nutty flavors. Perle and Cascade hops add a floral and citrus touch, while the beer’s smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel makes it a delight to sip. With a 5.2% ABV, it strikes the perfect balance of flavor without being overpowering.

Greenstar Brewing has been at the forefront of eco-conscious brewing since it opened in 2014 as Illinois’ first organic brewery. The team is passionate about sustainability, using only organic ingredients and creating beer with a zero-carbon footprint. You can taste the difference, knowing that their brews are free from pesticides, GMOs, and unnecessary chemicals.

Greenstar Brewing has been at the forefront of eco-conscious brewing since it opened in 2014 as Illinois’ first organic brewery. The team is passionate about sustainability, using only organic ingredients and creating beer with a zero-carbon footprint. You can taste the difference, knowing that their brews are free from pesticides, GMOs, and unnecessary chemicals.

Michael Cameron, owner of Greenstar Brewing, is proud of his team’s achievement. “We’ve just celebrated our 10-year anniversary as the first organic brewery in the state. This gold medal is a huge honor, especially for a small brewery like ours. It’s a testament to the dedication and skill of our head brewer, Brandon Stern,” he said.

Ready to taste the award-winning brew for yourself? Stop by Uncommon Ground to enjoy the “Bateman Bier” and the rest of Greenstar’s organic lineup. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just someone who loves a good local brew, you won’t want to miss it!

Meet the Head Brewer: Brandon Stern

The magic behind Greenstar’s award-winning beers comes from Brandon Stern, their passionate head brewer and beer ambassador. Brandon started his professional brewing journey here in Chicago in 2011 and has honed his craft at several award-winning breweries across the Midwest. Since taking the reins at Greenstar in June of 2020, he’s been focused on crafting beers that not only taste great but are made with sustainability in mind.

As head brewer of Illinois’ first certified organic brewery, Brandon works closely with regional producers who emphasize sustainability, ensuring that every pint of Greenstar beer reflects the values of the community it serves. His approach to brewing is all about balance—using the finest organic ingredients to create beers that bring together fresh hops, rich malts, and diverse yeast strains in perfect harmony. When you visit Uncommon Ground, you’re getting some of the freshest, cleanest beer in Chicago, thanks to Brandon’s dedication.

If you’re wondering why Greenstar takes the extra step to brew organic beer, it’s all about what’s in your glass. Conventional beer ingredients, like malt and hops, are often sprayed with pesticides that can leave residues in the final product. Greenstar skips the chemicals and brews with all-organic ingredients to ensure their beer is as clean and natural as possible—just how it should be. Plus, all of their beers are vegan-friendly and even gluten-removed, making them accessible to a wide range of beer lovers.

So, head over to Uncommon Ground and raise a glass to Greenstar Organic Brewing’s latest victory. It’s a win not only for them but for our entire neighborhood!